Brenda Haight Simpson, 76, passed away unexpectedly on February 16, 2021, at Riverside Hospital with her family by her side. She was a native and lifelong resident of Poquoson. Brenda graduated from Poquoson High School as valedictorian and she scored perfectly on her scholastic aptitude test. She was a proud member of Mensa – The High IQ Society. Brenda began her career at NASA in 1962 as a mathematician tasked with the complex calculations of space-flight trajectories. Six years later in 1968, she left NASA to be a stay-at-home mom.

She worked at The Crabcake House for the late Alice Eller and quickly found a second family. The dearest of friendships was formed and she cherished those memories. Eventually, she returned to NASA as an IT Specialist and contributed 31 years before retiring.
Brenda was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Poquoson and for years, assisted Harriet Forrest Mary Milton Conrad, and Gloria West in the children’s music ministry with her unique style of piano accompaniment. Many children lovingly participated over the years and Miss Brenda’s dance songs were always a hit. She also taught Sunday school, hosted vacation Bible school, and was a brownie troop leader for her two daughters.

In February 1963, she married and they had three children. She never missed a single game, match, or event of her children’s busy lives. For 15 years, most weekends mom and daughters spent traveling to a baton contest, spending overnight in hotels, and having one on one time. Selfless to a fault, she always sacrificed herself and everything she had for others, especially her grandchildren, and she wouldn’t have had it any other way. She loved being a Mom, and she especially loved being Grannniebren. Brenda loved Perry Mason episodes, detective TV shows, dancing, and her church.

Our selfless matriarch was taken from us too soon and our hearts are left aching with an emptiness no other will ever fill. The unconditional love, extraordinary care, unending patience, and nurturing compassion from Loie Diggs and Kym Diggs Rohrer have been heavenly Godsends. Truly words fail our love and appreciation for what you meant to mother and what you will always mean to us.  Special appreciation to Susan Pendergrass and Jane Lender for countless home-cooked meals, the best childhood memories and most special friendships of unconditional love and to Penny Holloway for emotional support during times of grief and loss.  Dr. Charles Ginsburgh — Thank You for safely managing Mother’s pain and for your unending mercy. Thank you, Ned Barone, for round-the-clock medical expertise, physician collaboration, and legal representation.

Brenda was preceded in rest by her father, Charles Bradley Haight, mother, Roxie, Watkins Haight, daughter Kelly Simpson Silver, son, Troy Simpson, and childhood friend Marion Blieberger. She is survived by her former husband, Henry W Simpson, and by her daughter, Korry Simpson Barone (Ned) of Jamestown, NY; four grandchildren: Kristi Allen, Renee Brown, Emily Daggett, and Amanda Harris; 9 great-grandchildren: Taylor Arrington, Kali Bartron, Sophie, Sadie, and Savannah Brown, Stella and Alivia Daggett, and Teagan and Wyatt Harris; and sisters, Pat Firman & Vicki Diggs.

A COVID-safe Celebration of Life will take place this spring. Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.